Recently in India, the Zika virus cases has become a matter of concern as new cases come out from Pune Maharashtra. 🦟 The central health authorities have cautioned all states to remain vigilant about the spread of this virus. With the increase in the number of infected cases, the central government has ordered comprehensive screening of pregnant women and monitoring the development of fetuses in the infected expecting ladies 👶.
The first case of this virus in India was reported in 2016 from Gujrat and afterwards, the cases of the Zika virus are reported from other states also. Recent cases appeared in Pune where the total number of infected patients reached 7 including the two pregnant ladies. This blog post will highlight all important information about the Zika virus, including possible causes, symptoms, and treatment. Continue reading. 📖
What is Zika Virus?
Zika Virus also known as Zika fever is a mosquito-transmitted disease that can cause serious health conditions. Zika virus is typically found in tropical and subtropical areas and the primary means of transmission is through the bite of an infected mosquito belonging to the Aedes genus, specifically Aedes aegypti. 🦟
The disease is a type of virus that uses an infected person’s cells to multiply and cause severe health issues. The symptoms of the Zika virus are mild and may go unnoticed in most cases if not screened properly.
The virus is powerful enough that if a pregnant woman gets infected, it may cause brain-related impairment in the child 👶. Zika virus is primarily caused by the bite of daytime active mosquitoes from the Aedes family.
Zika virus-causing mosquitoes are found in varied regions and there has been a Zika virus outbreak in America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa and Asia. 🌎Zika virus is dangerous for pregnant ladies because it impacts the development of the fetus. The effects of this virus on a healthy adult are mild and can be treated easily.
What are the Causes of the Zika Virus and How Does it Spread?
The primary cause of the Zika Virus is the mosquito bites from the Infected Aedes species mosquitoes. The virus spreads through mosquito bites and can also be transmitted by an infected person through sex or breastfeeding 🤱.
The virus is caused by the same family of mosquitos that are responsible for the spread of dengue and chikungunya viruses. An infected person can transmit the virus to another person through sex or breastfeeding. The disease can cause serious complications in pregnant women including impairment in fetus development. Another cause of the spread of this virus can be laboratory-acquired, but it is not yet confirmed. The primary causes and sources of the virus are the following:
- Mosquitoes 🦟: The main cause of the Zika virus is the bite of mosquitoes mainly Aegypti and albopictus mosquitoes found in different parts of the world. When these mosquitoes bite one infected person, then another, and so on, the Zika virus spreads. The chances of getting infected are high during the monsoon season as these mosquitoes breed in stagnant waterways and frequently amass during the rainy season.
- Pregnant Women 👶: A pregnant woman can also transmit the virus to the fetus leading to serious complications including developmental impairment. Infected pregnant women can transfer the virus to their child during the pregnancy or around the birth and can cause serious birth defects or other complications in pregnancy.
- Sexual Contact ❤️: Chances of getting the Zika virus are high if sexual contact is made with an infected person. The virus can stay in body fluids for months like semen and can spread easily to a person who engages in intimate activity with an infected person. It is not necessary to have symptoms of this disease, an infected person can carry the virus without any symptoms and can transmit the disease through oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
- Blood Transfusions 💉: You can also get infected with this disease through blood transfusions. Health authorities in Brazil and France have reported the cases of Zika virus spread through blood transfusions. The Zika virus tends to stay in human cells and tissue even for months after a person gets infected. The virus can stay in umbilical cord blood, gestational tissues, and reproductive tissues for a long time, so it is suggested to avoid blood donation after getting infected with the Zika virus.
What are the Symptoms of Zika Virus?
The first thing to remember is that only one out of five infected persons may show any symptoms after getting infected. The most frightening and worrying thing about this disease is that a person remains asymptomatic and can transmit the virus to another person through sex, breastfeeding, and blood donation. The most common symptoms of Zika virus include:
- Fever 🌡️
- Rash 🤒
- Headache 🤕
- Joint pain 🤲
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes) 👁️
- Muscle pain 💪
Moreover, the symptoms of the Zika virus are the same as in other virtual infections and can last for a week or more. Showing above mentioned symptoms does not mean that a person is infected with this virus as the same symptoms are associated with dengue and chikungunya. Therefore to detect the Zika virus, proper screening and several blood tests are needed to be done. 🩺
Treatment for Zika Virus
Managing the symptoms and preventive care are the best treatment solutions for the Zika virus as there is no specific medicine or medical solution 🚑 to this virus. A person showing similar symptoms associated with the Zika virus must visit the hospital or a health expert for guidance and treatment. After developing the symptoms, one should restrict physical activities and avoid physical contact with others to help stop the spread.
Pregnant women with Zika virus-related symptoms must take immediate medical support, laboratory 🏥 testing, counseling, and appropriate clinical care. Consult a medical expert for medicines as there is no specific vaccine for the disease. An infected individual can follow the below-mentioned treatment measures.
- Go for proper screening by doing the blood test 🩸
- Try to stay hydrated and take plenty of fluids at regular intervals
- To reduce pain and fever, one can take medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or any other pain and fever-reducer medicine 💊
- Avoid 🚫 taking drugs like aspirin or NSAIDS unless your doctor recommends
Also See: H9N2 Bird Flu: WHO Confirms New Human Case in Bangal
Precautions and Preventive Measures
As the Zika virus can spread without having any major symptoms, it is always advisable to follow preventive measures 🦟. Prevention is the best thing to protect yourself from any viral infection including the Zika virus. As the virus can spread from one person to another during and after symptoms, one can follow the below-mentioned preventive measures.
- Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites: Mosquito bites are the primary cause of this virus, thus protecting yourself from mosquitoes is the first thing to do. You can cover your skin with clothing or wear EPA-registered insect repellant to protect from mosquitoes 🦟. Sleep indoors or under mosquito nets, especially during monsoon season.
- Avoid Sex or Use Protection: Avoid sex or use condoms if you are traveling to an area where the Zika virus cases are being reported or returning from the particular area.
- Take Preventive Care if Pregnant: Pregnant women can transmit the virus to their child during or after birth. So taking extra care during pregnancy is important. Avoid going to areas 🚶♂️ where causes are reported and consult your healthcare provider for screening. Avoid mosquito bites during pregnancy and also refrain from physical contact with a person showing any of the symptoms.
Conclusion 📝
In conclusion, the Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause health issues, particularly in pregnant women and children. In India, the virus has become a cause of concern as new cases are reported from Pune Maharastra. However, by understanding the causes, prevention, and treatment measures you can protect yourself from this disease and help in stopping the spread of this virus. Taking precautions, seeking immediate medical help 😷, and adhering to guidelines are the best options to remain safe during the outbreak of the Zika virus.
